[Cost-effectiveness evaluation of drugs: multidisciplinary collaboration and transparency are key].
BACKGROUND
A new German law introduced the cost-effectiveness evaluation of drugs. In Germany, the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) is responsible for such evaluations. Currently, however, there is a heavy and controversial debate about the correct method to be applied. A recent proposal of IQWiG on the method to be used for cost-effectiveness evaluations has been dismissed by an expert panel. Moreover, previous IQWiG assessments are criticized and the institute is accused of providing insufficient transparency of its evaluation procedures. The head organizations of the compulsory health insurances focus on their own method to analyze and judge new drugs (EVITA), which is claimed to provide the desired results faster than IQWiG. In Germany, the current situation appears obscure and there is the threat of confusing and contradictory methods for cost-effectiveness evaluations yielding inconsistent assessments.


OBJECTIVE
This paper aims at outlining the current situation in Germany and providing potential solutions.


CONCLUSIONS
It requires an early and multidisciplinary collaboration to achieve the goal of a valid and fully transparent cost-effectiveness evaluation.
Mueller
Edgar A
EA
Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Fiedlerstrasse 27, 01307, Dresden, Germany, Edgar. Mueller@tu-dresden.de.
Kirch
Wilhelm
W
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003363:Cost Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000191:economics*
D055553:Prescription Drugs